How to Transport a Gun to Another State
Gun laws vary significantly from state to state. Some prohibit certain types of weapons and magazine capacities, while others have few restrictions on ownership of rifles, handguns, and semi-automatic firearms. For people moving across state lines, this diverse set of regulations can create the impression that transporting guns is a complicated process. It’s not. Thanks to the Firearm Owners' Protection Act (FOPA), gun owners traveling between states are not subject to local gun laws as long as they follow a few simple guidelines. We’ll walk you through the requirements one by one, explaining how to transport a gun to another state in a safe, legal, and responsible manner.
How to Move Your Gun by Car
Anyone transporting their gun by car is covered by FOPA. Sometimes referred to as the “Peaceable Journey Law,” it allows you to convey firearms in your personal vehicle if your gun is:
- Unloaded
- Locked in a hard-sided case
- Inaccessible from the passenger compartment
- Legal in the state you’re traveling to
A locked glove box or center console is not considered an inaccessible compartment. Your gun must be either in your trunk or a non-visible area where it cannot be reached by the driver or passengers — an important consideration if you’re in a vehicle that does not have a separate trunk, such as an SUV or pickup truck.
While federal regulations allow you to store ammunition in the same case as your firearm, most gun owners prefer to keep it in a separate container, to ensure the gun is not readily usable under every interpretation of the law.
It’s important to note that FOPA only protects you while you’re traveling. If you stop to visit relatives, go sightseeing, or conduct personal business, you might be charged for violating local gun laws and your firearms could be confiscated. Incidental stops for food, gas, and sleep are permitted, so long as you resume travel promptly. Medical emergencies, vehicle problems, and weather delays are also covered.
How to Fly with a Gun
If you’re traveling by plane, you are permitted to check your gun along with your luggage if you follow TSA guidelines. Eligible passengers must be traveling within the United States and legally allowed to own the gun in the state they're flying from and the state they’re flying to.
Each gun must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case. Ammunition must be boxed in its original container or locked in the same box as the firearm. Declare each gun to the ticket agent when you check your luggage. They’ll ask you to fill out a declaration form and contact a TSA agent to inspect your firearm.
Once the inspection is over, you’ll place the form in the box along with your firearm and then relock the case before handing it over to the airline. Most airlines allow you to check firearms, but rules may vary depending on who you’re flying with, so it’s always a good idea to call them ahead of time to confirm their policy.
How to Ship a Gun
If you don’t want to transport your guns yourself, you can pay to have them shipped. Keep in mind that, regardless of which method you choose, ammunition must always be shipped separately.
While the United States Postal Service won’t accept ammunition, private carriers like UPS and FedEx will as long as it’s clearly labeled and stored either in its original packaging or secured in wooden or fiberboard boxes. Contact FedEx or UPS for more information about their policies and procedures.
If you’d prefer to ship your firearm instead of transporting it yourself, the most popular options are:
Moving Companies
Many moving companies transport firearms, including North American Van Lines. According to the Brady Handgun Violence Control Act, commonly known as the Brady Bill, moving companies are permitted to move handguns, rifles, and shotguns as long as they’re stored in an unmarked container.
Carriers are also required to note firearms on their household goods inventory, which homeowners submit for insurance coverage. Each note needs to include the gun’s:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Type of firearm (Rifle, Handgun, Black Powder, Etc.)
- Caliber
- Serial number
- General condition
The Brady Bill also requires carriers to obtain a signed receipt when delivering firearms. Customers need to sign the inventory and item check-off sheet, as well as the individual lines where the firearms are listed. Only the legal owner of the gun is permitted to sign for them.
Because the Brady Bill does not set packing rules, you’ll need to talk to your agent in order to determine how best to pack your firearms. Policies differ, but most companies require firearms to be:
- Unloaded
- Trigger Locked
- Secured in a Hard-Sided Case
If your guns are stored in a gun safe, make sure you tell your mover ahead of time so in case they need to bring additional loading equipment. Contact your moving agent if you have any further questions or concerns.
U.S. Postal Service
The post office will ship rifles and shotguns as long as they’re too large to be concealed on a person. Customers are required to unload them and ship them in unmarked boxes. When you drop them off, you will either have to provide a written certification stating your guns are unloaded or open the package so the postal employee can confirm for themselves.
Federal Firearm Licensee
A Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) is a business or individual who has been authorized to sell, import, or manufacture guns and ammunition by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. FFLs are the only ones allowed to ship handguns through the U.S. Postal Service.
Private companies like FedEx and UPS will only accept firearms from FFLs. If you’re not familiar with the FFLs in your area, consult an online directory. All guns must be unloaded and their action secured with a cable lock before they can be shipped. By law, firearms must also be packed in a locked, sealed, unmarked, and hard-sided case.
Long-Distance Moving Services
North American Van Lines has been helping homeowners for over 90 years. Our moving teams offer personal plans built around your needs, budget, and schedule. Whether you need affordable storage options or full-service packing, loading, and unpacking, trust us to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Reach out today for a free quote!
